A surgical instrument includes an ultrasonic transducer assembly comprising a coupling portion laterally movable at an ultrasonic frequency. In addition, the surgical instrument includes an ultrasonic transmission waveguide extending from the coupling portion and an ultrasonic treatment element defining a cutting surface, wherein the ultrasonic treatment element extends from the ultrasonic transmission waveguide, and wherein the lateral movement of the coupling portion is in a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the cutting surface of the ultrasonic treatment element.